Lachie Anderson would land a converted try on restart before he delivered the ball to Matthew Hood who extended the lead with James Stannard adding the extras. Nelson Oyoo grounded a late try, but the European side held their nerves to book a 5th Place play-off date with Samoa.

Against New Zealand, Kenya put in a spirited fight but the All Blacks proved their worthiness, capitalizing on Kenya’s defensive error to win the game at the death.

It was the former series champions who went ahead through Dylan Collier’s converted try but Sammy Oliech restored parity after successfully converting Eden Agero’s try.

Oliech then put Shujaa 12-7 up, scoring from the restart but missing the conversion, his side taking the lead into the interval.

A brave second half defensive effort for Shujaa was eventually cut short just before full time, Andrew Knewstubb kicking over the Shujaa defense to touch down, the ensuing conversion giving New Zealand the lead, their victory confirmed after a Shujaa handling error at the death.

Focus now shifts to next weekend’s second leg of the season in Cape Town, South Africa.

Meanwhile, rugby players have been allowed to write messages on strapping tape during World Seven Series matches after the World Rugby backed down slightly on its policy on banning personal messages on wrist strapping.

This comes barely a week after the global body received widespread criticisms on its apparent plan to ban strapping art.

Players argued they often put family initials on their wrists to use as motivation during the games that kicked-off with the Dubai Sevens yesterday.

“Strapping art gives most athletes the psychological boost when on the field. For my case, Webuye reminds me of my struggle growing up there ,why I play this game and the people I represent,” said Kenyan international Frank Wanyama, who played with a ‘Webuye’ writing on his left hand strapping last season.

In a statement, World Rugby said they have adopted a common-sense approach.